Rural West

With a population of approximately 15,000 and a regional catchment area of nearly 35,000 people, Kenora offers residents the opportunity to train in one of Northwestern Ontario’s most unique and scenic communities. Situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods, the community serves a large geographic region that includes 10 First Nations communities and experiences a significant seasonal increase in population due to visitors and cottagers.

Kenora combines the benefits of a vibrant waterfront lifestyle with the rewards of comprehensive rural family medicine. The community is known for its strong partnerships between healthcare providers, Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, and community agencies, creating a collaborative environment for both learning and patient care.

A defining feature of the Kenora site is its commitment to rural generalist medicine and culturally safe care. Residents gain exposure to diverse patient populations, including a significant Indigenous population, while working within a healthcare system that values cultural safety, community engagement, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

Training/Training sites

Training in Kenora follows a community-based preceptor model and is delivered through the All Nations Health Partners Rural Generalist Care Model, an innovative healthcare partnership that provides residents with exposure to both community-based and
hospital-based care.

Residents train across four primary service providers:

Kenora Chiefs Advisory
Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Health Access Centre (WNHAC)
Sunset Country Family Health Team
Lake of the Woods District Hospital

These organizations work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams that include physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and community health partners to provide comprehensive patient care across the region. One of the greatest strengths of the Kenora site is the opportunity to experience the full scope of rural medicine through longitudinal learning. Residents benefit from a 1:1 preceptor-to-resident ratio, enthusiastic physician teachers, and the ability to integrate family medicine with hospital-based experiences throughout training. Learners gain exposure to emergency medicine, internal medicine, intensive care, anesthesia,surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and community-based care while maintaining continuity with patients and preceptors.

Residents also have unique opportunities to travel to First Nations communities and experience healthcare delivery in diverse rural and remote settings. A local simulation laboratory further enhances clinical skills development through hands-on learning
experiences.

Types of Medical Exposures

Comprehensive Family Medicine
Inpatient Care
Emergency Medicine
Low-Risk Obstetrics
Outpatient Pediatrics
Long-Term Care
Psychiatry
General Surgery
Anesthesia
Internal Medicine and Intensive Care
First Nations Community-Based Care

Residents gain experience across a broad range of acute and outpatient services. At Lake of the Woods District Hospital, training opportunities include emergency medicine, intensive care, inpatient medical and surgical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, and Schedule 1 Psychiatry services.

Additional experiences are available through ambulatory care programs, including dialysis, chemotherapy, visiting specialist clinics, wound care, telemedicine, rehabilitation services, and minor procedural clinics. The hospital’s extensive regional programs provide exposure to specialized care that is not commonly available in many rural communities, including oncology, stroke services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory medicine, and chronic disease management programs.

Off-service rotations are typically completed in Thunder Bay, although elective opportunities may be available in other NOSM University communities depending on resident interests and availability.

Kenora also offers exceptional Indigenous learning opportunities through strong partnerships with Ogimaawabiitong Kenora Chiefs Advisory and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Health Access Centre. Residents benefit from cultural safety education, Indigenous patient navigation services, culturally informed care experiences, traditional teachings, workshops, and opportunities to increase their understanding of Indigenous health and Anishinaabe cultural perspectives. These experiences help residents develop the cultural humility and skills necessary to provide respectful, holistic, and culturally safe care.

This combination of strong mentorship, broad clinical exposure, Indigenous health experiences, rural generalist practice, and multidisciplinary team-based care prepares residents for comprehensive family medicine practice in rural, remote, and northern
communities.

Community

Kenora is unique! There aren’t many places a person could boat to get groceries, go to the bank, the farmer’s market, meet friends for lunch and, when needed, quickly access the hospital directly from the water! Lake of the Woods District Hospital and the hospitals which came before it have sat on a spectacular waterfront location on historic Tunnel Island for 100+ years.

In 2020, a significant redevelopment of the hospital docks was undertaken to meet the needs of seasonal and local residents who live on the lake, many without any road access to their properties. Hospital docks provide direct access to our facility from the lake when people need it most. The docks also allow staff who reside on the lake in the summer the unique opportunity to boat directly to work (a definite advantage when recruiting!)

Geographic Location: LWDH serves a vast geographic region that spans roughly:

East from the Manitoba Border
West to James Bay
North to Vermillion Bay
Sioux to Sioux Narrows
Includes 10 First Nation communities

Distances to major centres:

200 KM to Winnipeg, MB
500 KM to Thunder Bay, ON
1850 KM to Toronto, ON

Population

Catchment population of approximately 35,000 in the Kenora District, however this number swells significantly during the summer months due to the influx of seasonal residents and visitors.
30 -35% Indigenous
Aging Population (Stats Canada 2016)

Schools

There are two school boards in Kenora both have elementary and secondary schools within their districts.

Keewatin Patricia District School Board
Kenora Catholic District School Board

There are options for post-secondary education to obtain a diploma, degree or certificate. Programs change often to suit local industry needs.

Confederation College – Lake of the Woods Campus
Contact North
Seven Generations Education Institute – Manidoo Baawatig Kenora Campus

Recreation Opportunities in Kenora

Kenora offers a wide range of recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Here are some highlights:

Moncrief Construction Sports Centre: Home to fitness and recreation facilities,
including an aquatic center and ice skating facilities.
City of Kenora Leisure Guide: A comprehensive guide to various activities,
including sports, leisure, arts and culture, and community programs.
Recreation Clubs: Join a variety of clubs and organizations, from sports to
leisure activities, with mass registration events held each fall.
Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and winter sports at Vernon
Nature Area, Keewatin Beach, and other local spots.
Cultural Events: Kenora hosts farmers’ markets, fishing tournaments, concerts,
and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

These opportunities provide a great way to stay active, connect with the community, and enjoy the natural beauty of Kenora.

Access to Daycare

Although LWDH offers NO current access to childcare, a new housing development is currently under construction on Minnesota Street in Kenora and Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) has committed to leasing a number of units within the project to help address housing needs for incoming staff, professional staff, locums, learners, and other healthcare professionals.

Additionally, as part of this development, space will be designated for a new Early Learning and Childcare Centre. LWDH is partnering with the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) to support the operation of this childcare program, recognizing the important role accessible childcare plays in supporting a strong and sustainable workforce and community.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2026, with childcare services anticipated to begin in 2027.

A long-term goal for the centre is to offer extended hours, from 6:30 AM to 8 PM, to accommodate families working 12-hour shifts.

With a population of approximately 7,400 and a service catchment area of more than 14,000 people, Dryden offers residents the opportunity to train in a well-supported rural community that serves as an important healthcare hub in Northwestern Ontario. Situated between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg along the Trans-Canada Highway, Dryden provides broad clinical exposure while maintaining the close-knit atmosphere and strong physician relationships that characterize rural medical practice.

Dryden is a diverse community with a growing immigrant population and a significant Indigenous presence, with approximately 20% of residents identifying as Indigenous. This diversity creates valuable opportunities for residents to develop experience caring
for patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds while gaining insight into the healthcare needs of Northern Ontario communities.

The community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to supporting learners. A dedicated Physician Recruitment, Retention & Relations Coordinator assists residents with onboarding, scheduling, community integration, and connecting residents
and their families with local resources and supports. Combined with a strong culture of teaching and mentorship, Dryden provides an exceptional environment for both professional and personal growth.

Training/Training sites

Training in Dryden follows a community-based preceptor model and offers residents broad exposure to the full scope of rural family medicine. Clinical experiences are centered at the Dingwall Medical Clinic, Dryden Area Family Health Team, Dryden Regional Health Centre, and Princess Court Long-Term Care Home.

One of Dryden’s greatest strengths is the integration of its primary training sites. The Dingwall Medical Clinic, Dryden Area Family Health Team, and Dryden Regional Health Centre are all conveniently located on the same property, providing residents with seamless transitions between clinic, hospital, and community-based learning experiences. Residents benefit from a low learner-to-physician ratio and significant one- on-one time with preceptors, creating a highly personalized learning environment.

An impressive 75% of family physicians currently practicing in Dryden are NOSM University alumni, contributing to a strong culture of mentorship and medical education.

Residents also benefit from layered learning opportunities through the Comprehensive Community Clerkship program, elective learner placements, and regular educational sessions through the local education group.

Dryden Regional Health Centre is a rural hospital with a robust range of services and programs, including visiting specialist clinics in orthopedics, gynecology, urology, plastic surgery, ENT, and pediatrics. The hospital also offers inpatient and outpatient mental health and addictions services, oncology, telemedicine, rehabilitation services, a diabetes centre, and comprehensive diagnostic imaging including CT, ultrasound, and x-ray services.

Types of Medical Exposures

Comprehensive Family Medicine
Chronic Disease Management
Inpatient Care
Emergency Medicine
Obstetrics, including Caesarean Sections
Surgical Assisting
Anesthesia
Long-Term Care
MAiD and Palliative Care
Gender-Affirming Care
Fracture Clinic
Oncology
Addictions Medicine

Residents participate in emergency department call and home or phone call responsibilities, gaining valuable experience managing acute presentations and providing continuity of care across multiple settings.

Dryden offers unique opportunities for residents interested in procedural medicine and comprehensive rural practice. The combination of emergency medicine, obstetrics,surgical assisting, anesthesia, inpatient care, and specialized services allows learners to develop confidence and versatility while working closely with experienced rural physicians.

Off-service rotations are primarily completed at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Additional experiences may be available through Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, particularly in emergency medicine and obstetrics. Residents interested in gender-affirming care may also participate in dedicated learning experiences through NorWest Community Health Centre in Thunder Bay.
Residents have opportunities to learn about Indigenous health through clinical experiences at the Dryden Native Friendship Centre’s Waasegiizhig

Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Health Access Centre. While Francophone opportunities are limited, a Francophone faculty member is available within the community. This combination of strong mentorship, individualized teaching, broad procedural exposure, and comprehensive rural medicine prepares residents for full-scope family medicine practice in northern and rural communities.

Community

Surrounded by Canadian Shield Forest, countless lakes, and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, Dryden offers an outstanding quality of life for residents and their families. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, sailing, paddling, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing throughout the year.

The community’s location between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg provides convenient access to larger centres while maintaining the benefits of small-town living. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, short commute times, and easy access to nature
and recreation just minutes from their doorstep. Dryden’s economy is supported by natural resources, healthcare, tourism, retail, and
manufacturing, creating a stable and vibrant community. Residents also benefit from numerous community events, festivals, and recreational opportunities available throughout the year.

For more information about the community, attractions, and local events, visit:

Explore Dryden

In addition, residents training in Dryden enjoy several unique benefits, including free parking, complimentary cafeteria meals while at the hospital, and free access to the Dryden Recreation Centre.

Access to Daycare

Yes. Daycare is available within the community, although waitlists may exist and early
inquiries are recommended.

Sioux Lookout offers an exceptional rural family medicine experience in one of Canada’s most unique practice environments. While the town itself has a population of approximately 5,800, the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre serves a catchment area of nearly 30,000 people spread across 385,000 square kilometres, acting as the healthcare hub of Northwestern Ontario and providing care to 31 First Nations communities.

Residents gain hands-on experience in comprehensive, full-scope rural family medicine, with family physicians practicing across a wide range of settings including clinic, hospital, emergency medicine, obstetrics, inpatient care, long-term care, and outreach to remote communities. This breadth of exposure helps learners develop confidence and competence in managing diverse clinical presentations while working alongside amazing preceptors within a strong and supportive physician community. There are also opportunities to teach and work with medical students, as well as to provide care in remote First Nations communities.

Life in Sioux Lookout offers incredible opportunities for adventure and connection outside of medicine. Physicians can enjoy float plane excursions, dog sledding, rock climbing, mountain biking trails, and even a shared physician sauna. Combined with the supportive medical community and unparalleled clinical variety, Sioux Lookout provides a truly rewarding environment for both professional growth and personal lifestyle.

Family Medicine Training

Family medicine training in Sioux Lookout takes place across a variety of clinical settings that reflect the breadth and diversity of rural and remote practice. Residents work with a dedicated team of experienced family physician preceptors who provide comprehensive, full-scope family medicine across a wide range of community and hospital-based environments.

Residency training is based at two family medicine practices: the Hugh Allen Clinic and the Northern Clinic, with residents dividing their time between both practices throughout their training. The Hugh Allen Clinic primarily serves the communities of Sioux Lookout, Hudson, Savant Lake, Pickle Lake, Ignace, Dinorwic, and Wabigoon, while the Northern Clinic provides medical services to Sioux Lookout and surrounding First Nations communities.

A typical four-week block with the Northern Clinic may include:

One week providing care at a remote First Nations nursing station, seeing scheduled clinic patients as well as urgent and emergency presentations.

One week working as the hospitalist physician at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, caring for admitted patients.

Two weeks based at the Northern Clinic, combining family medicine clinics with emergency department shifts and time in the Rapid Access Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic.

A typical four-week block with the Hugh Allen Clinic may include a combination of family medicine clinics, emergency department shifts, fracture clinic, operating room assistance, sports medicine clinic, inpatient hospitalist care, obstetrics, RAAM clinic,
and anesthesia experiences.

Residents also have the opportunity to work in nursing stations in several of the 31 First Nations communities served by Sioux Lookout physicians, providing both primary care and urgent/emergent care. These experiences offer valuable insight into the unique challenges and rewards of delivering health care in remote northern communities.

In-community hospital-based training takes place at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, where family physicians maintain broad scopes of practice and provide care in emergency medicine, inpatient medicine, obstetrics, anesthesia, addictions medicine, fracture clinic, sports medicine, operating room assistance, long-term care, and other hospital-based services. Some off-service rotations my take place at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Together, these experiences provide residents with extensive exposure to the full spectrum of rural and remote family medicine, preparing them to confidently practice comprehensive care in a variety of community, hospital, and Indigenous health settings.

Community

Located in Northwestern Ontario, approximately halfway between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, Sioux Lookout offers residents the opportunity to train in a unique rural and remote setting while remaining well connected to larger urban centres. The community is situated just 40 minutes north of the Trans-Canada Highway and is a short 45-minute flight from Thunder Bay.

Surrounded by hundreds of lakes and the boreal forest, Sioux Lookout is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with year-round opportunities for fishing, paddling, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fat biking, and dog
sledding.

The community boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, including the Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series, which brings professional theatre, music, and dance performances to the region. Each summer, residents and visitors celebrate the community’s renowned Blueberry Festival, a 10-day event featuring more than 100 activities and events around the August long weekend.

With excellent recreational facilities including an arena, curling club, golf course, fitness and recreation centre, tennis and bocce courts, baseball diamonds, as well as extensive parks and trail systems, Sioux Lookout offers an exceptional quality of life. Combined with affordable housing, short commute times, and a welcoming, close-knit community, it provides an ideal environment for residents to live, learn, and thrive throughout their training.

Learn more about our community here: Visiting Sioux Lookout 

Physician Recruitment Website

Access to Daycare

Local licensed daycares currently have an 18 month wait time (approximately)
Car required: Not required but strongly encouraged.

With a population of approximately 7,500 and a hospital catchment area of nearly 20,000 people, Fort Frances offers residents the opportunity to train in a vibrant Northwestern Ontario community while gaining exposure to the full scope of rural family medicine. Located on the shores of beautiful Rainy Lake, Fort Frances combines broad clinical experiences, strong physician mentorship, and a welcoming community
atmosphere.

Fort Frances is known for its collegial and supportive physician group, creating a positive and engaging learning environment for residents. Teaching is a priority within the community, and residents benefit from close mentorship, individualized learning opportunities, and a culture that encourages both professional growth and clinical independence. Many learners who train in Fort Frances choose to return to the community in some capacity, reflecting the strength of its educational experience and supportive medical community.

Residents have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of family physicians who practice across multiple areas of medicine, providing exposure to comprehensive care and the realities of rural practice. Flexible scheduling during family medicine blocks allows residents to pursue areas of particular interest while meeting residency training requirements.

Training/Training sites

Training in Fort Frances follows a community-based preceptor model with block-based family medicine rotations and significant opportunities for individualized learning.

Residents work with family physicians who provide care in family medicine, emergency medicine, inpatient medicine, obstetrics, anesthesia, addictions medicine, and long-term care, creating broad exposure to comprehensive rural practice. Clinical experiences occur across several settings, including:

Fort Frances Physicians Group
Emo Clinic
Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre
Riverside Health Care Facilities
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic
Rainycrest Long-Term Care Facility

Hospital-based experiences through Riverside Health Care Facilities include emergency medicine, inpatient hospitalist medicine, labour and delivery, and surgical services, including general surgery rotations. This integrated training model allows residents to follow patients across multiple care settings and develop continuity of care skills throughout the lifespan.

A particular strength of training in Fort Frances is the emphasis on longitudinal care. Residents provide care from prenatal and obstetrical care through pediatrics, adult medicine, geriatrics, and end-of-life care. Experiences occur in both clinic and hospital settings, reflecting the comprehensive role family physicians play within rural communities.

Types of Medical Exposures

Comprehensive Family Medicine
Prenatal Care
Labour and Delivery
Pediatrics
Adult Medicine
Geriatrics
End-of-Life and Palliative Care
Inpatient Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Obstetrics
Long-Term Care
Addictions Medicine
Surgical Assisting
Women’s Health Procedures
Chronic Disease Management

Residents also gain experience in a variety of office and hospital-based procedures,
including:

IUD insertions
Joint injections
Paracentesis
Thoracentesis
Simple excisions
Nail resections
Surgical assisting

In addition, residents have opportunities to work alongside visiting specialists and gain exposure to a variety of specialty services that support care in Northwestern Ontario.

The site is supported by an active teaching culture that includes monthly site-specific academic half-days, simulation activities, learner skills sessions, grand rounds, and tiered learning opportunities alongside medical students and other residents. This collaborative approach enhances both teaching and learning while fostering strong mentorship relationships.

Off-service rotations are typically completed in Thunder Bay, providing access to additional specialty training while maintaining Fort Frances as the resident’s primary rural training site.

Residents also benefit from meaningful Indigenous health experiences. Approximately 30% of the district population identifies as Indigenous, and the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre provides valuable opportunities to learn about Indigenous health, culturally safe care, and the healthcare needs of First Nations communities throughout the region.

This combination of broad clinical exposure, procedural experience, continuity of care, strong mentorship, and Indigenous health learning opportunities prepares residents for comprehensive family medicine practice in rural and northern communities.

Community

Fort Frances is a small but vibrant community situated on the shores of Rainy Lake, offering an outstanding balance of professional opportunities and quality of life. The community is known for its friendly atmosphere, natural beauty, and abundance of recreational and cultural activities.

Residents can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor pursuits throughout the year, including fishing, boating, beach activities, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Rainy Lake provides exceptional opportunities for water-based recreation and outdoor exploration, making the region ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

The community also offers a thriving arts and culture scene, including local theatre productions, concerts, festivals, and community events. Combined with the area’s recreational opportunities, Fort Frances provides an excellent environment for residents and their families to establish roots and enjoy life outside of medicine.

Fort Frances is conveniently located within driving distance of several major centres, providing access to additional amenities and travel opportunities:

Thunder Bay – approximately 3.5 hours
Winnipeg – approximately 4 hours
Minneapolis – approximately 4.5 hours

For more information about the community, attractions, and local amenities, visit Fort Frances Tourism

Fort Frances Physician Recruitment

Access to Daycare:

Daycare spaces are not guaranteed. However, physicians receive priority status on local daycare waitlists.